Serological evidence of hepatitis E virus infection in pigs from Northern Bulgaria

Vet Ital. 2021 Jul 27;57(2). doi: 10.12834/VetIt.2341.14461.1.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate pigs in Northern Bulgaria for serological evidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV). Sera from 225 individuals from three industrial farms were tested for anti‑HEV IgG antibodies. The overall HEV seroprevalence was 36% (81/225); weaners 6.8% (5/74); fattening pigs 38.7% (29/75) and in sows 61.8% (47/76). Compared to weaners, HEV positivity was higher in fattening pigs and sows: OR = 8.70 (95% CI: 3.14‑24.12) and OR = 22.37 (95% CI: 8.07‑61.96), respectively. These data confirm that HEV is endemic in pigs throughout Bulgaria, and can be a Public Health problem due to the transmission of HЕV to humans through the consumption of pork meat and pork products.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bulgaria / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Hepatitis E virus*
  • Hepatitis E* / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis E* / veterinary
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases* / epidemiology